June_21_2017_chief_message

Message from Robert Philp, Queen’s Counsel, Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission

(June 21, 2017)

On June 21st, we commemorate National Aboriginal Day

“It is important, as we commemorate National Aboriginal Day, National Aboriginal History Month and 150 years since Confederation, that we acknowledge our history as a colonizing country, which includes blemishes in relation to our treatment of Indigenous Peoples.

“From the establishment of the Indian Act, to the sixties scoop, forced assimilation, Indian Residential Schools and the ongoing racism and discrimination that Indigenous Peoples continue to face in their day-to-day lives, Canada has a dark past when it comes to Indigenous Peoples.

“Our past has left an indelible legacy on our communities, province and country, and on our Indigenous Peoples.

“We have a responsibility to learn about and understand our shared history, acknowledge the impacts this legacy has had, and take steps to repair relations and move forward towards reconciliation in a meaningful way.

“There are significant moments in Canada’s history that we don’t read about in our history books. There are important lessons that we can learn as we move to true reconciliation.

“National Aboriginal Day presents an opportunity for Albertans to participate in events around the province and to take steps towards repairing and strengthening these important relationships. I encourage you to find out about and participate in the events that are planned across the province in recognition of this very significant day.”